Col. Patrick Dierig, the commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing (1SOW), is hitting the ground running after taking command from Col. Allison Black Feb. 23. As installation commander, Dierig oversees Hurlburt Field’s base support for the wing’s four groups and 24 squadrons, as well as more than 40 tenant units, including Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command.
Tyndall Air Force Base — In 2024, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, became the first Air Force installation to transition to the fluorine-free foam within its fire departments, effectively replacing the aqueous film-forming foam that contained Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. The new foam is a primary component of a Department of Defense-wide effort to phase out PFAS-containing AFFF from land-based firefighting equipment.
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — After a quick taxi out to Duke Field’s runway, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Geraghty spun up the 21-foot, electric aircraft’s 80-horsepower engine and zoomed forward. The Pipistrel Velis Electro quietly lifted off heading north as the sun dipped in the west around dusk April 22.
Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. — According to the Department of Defense, there are more than 1.6 million military-connected children who ultimately face many unique experiences because of their parent’s or parents’ service. To honor these individuals, the DoD designates the month of April as Month of the Military Child. For Team Tyndall and across the DoD, this time highlights the important role that children play within the armed forces community while recognizing their experiences and sacrifices.
Duke Field – Aviators and aircraft maintainers who support the C-146A Wolfhound mission celebrated a major milestone April 5, 2024, surpassing 200,000 flying hours while meeting Air Force Special Operations Command’s global mobility requirements.
Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. – The 96th Security Forces Squadron will begin 100 percent identification checks for anyone accessing the installation in May.
Hurlburt Field, Fla. – Balancing work and home life can be a challenge for many Airmen. Adding children to the mix can make it even more difficult, and for single parents, that’s another story.
Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. (AFNS) – During exercise Red Flag 24-2, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps personnel trained alongside the Royal Netherlands Air Force from March 11-24.
Arlington, Va. (AFNS) – On Feb. 6, five Marines aboard a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter belonging to the U.S. Marine Corps’ 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing were reported “overdue” while en route to San Diego, sparking a search and rescue mission for the missing service members.
Hurlburt Field – At the beginning of this year, three U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeants came together over a mutual desire to improve their squadron. Working side-by-side, they started a program to create a safe environment where Airmen can build healthy working relationships through education and discussion.
